Baird Adds Veteran Advisors Guard and Duffy in Phoenix - Scottsdale

PHOENIX, March 29, 2010

Baird, an employee-owned, international wealth management, capital markets, private equity and asset management firm, has added two veteran Financial Advisors, Russ Guard, Senior Vice President, and Jacob Duffy, Vice President, in the Phoenix-Scottsdale market. Both advisors soon will be serving their clients together as a team, bringing nearly 35 years of combined industry experience to Baird.

Also joining Baird is Carol Frasco, Registered Client Relationship Associate. All three wealth management professionals are working from Baird’s Scottsdale office, located at 14648 N Scottsdale Rd. With the addition of Guard, Duffy and Frasco, Baird now employs 50 associates in the Phoenix – Scottsdale market and operates two office locations.

“We are very pleased to welcome Russ, Jake and Carol to Baird and to continue our expansion in the Phoenix-Scottsdale market,” said Mark Peterson, Senior Vice President and Arizona Market Manager for Baird Private Wealth Management. “This addition of their talent and expertise will complement our current operations in the region.”

Baird’s Private Wealth Management business continues to grow around the country. Baird added more than 100 Financial Advisors to its Private Wealth Management group in 2009, the vast majority of whom are industry veterans. The firm has added 22 Financial Advisors since the beginning of 2010.

About Baird Private Wealth ManagementUsing a consultative approach, Baird’s more than 650 Financial Advisors deliver comprehensive wealth management solutions to clients nationwide. They have the resources to oversee the complete financial picture for high-net-worth families and individuals with complex financial needs. Baird Financial Advisors managed and oversaw more than $55 billion in client assets as of Dec. 31, 2009.

Leveraging a network of specialists, Baird Financial Advisors also work closely with business owners and corporate clients to address the specific needs of corporate executives, benefit coordinators and those in need of business transition planning.

About BairdBaird is an employee-owned, international wealth management, capital markets, private equity and asset management firm with offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. Established in 1919, Baird has more than 2,400 associates serving the needs of individual, corporate, institutional and municipal clients. Baird oversees and manages client assets of more than $75 billion. Committed to being a great place to work, Baird ranked number 11 on FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 2010 – its seventh consecutive year on the list. Baird’s principal operating subsidiaries are Robert W. Baird & Co. in the United States and Robert W. Baird Group Ltd. in Europe. Baird also has an operating subsidiary in Asia supporting Baird’s private equity operations. For more information, please visit Baird’s Web site at www.rwbaird.com.